The sounds of drums filtered through the area at Kamloops Airport as a couple hundred people came together on Victoria Day Monday to honour Captain Jennifer Casey and the rest of the Snowbirds, one day after tragedy struck.
Patricia Zerr and her sister, Cathy Lampreau, organized the event that took place at the site of a memorial, right by Kamloops Airport.
“Just sharing our culture and coming together as one, and meshing it in with people aren’t necessarily aware of our culture, and just embracing who we are, what we can share, and that we are all one,” she said. “We are all together.”
While the ceremony was taking place, Lt. Alexandra Hejduk, the public affairs officer with 19 Wing Comox, who happened to be driving by. The group turned towards her, and started performing .
“You have made us feel welcome. You have made us feel a part of your community, and we thank you so much for that,” Hejduk said.
“We were supposed to be another place, and we saw this happening and we came down to see it. This is more than anybody could even imagine, to occur as a tribute to Snowbirds, to Capt. Jennifer Casey, to Capt. Richard MacDougall.”
MacDougall, the pilot, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He is expected to make a full recovery.
“I’ve been crying for a long time but it was amazing. it’s just an amazing scene,” Lampreau added. “It was heartwarming to see everybody come out.”
Hejduk was even given a flowers, and says they are grateful for all the support during a difficult time for the Canadian Armed Forces. She says they are grateful for all the support from Kamloopsians, and will be passing on the love and kind words to her colleagues.
– With files from Brett Mineer
I’ve seen some things over the years covering stories – touching things, sad things, traumatic things – but the moment this afternoon with the drummers turning to face the CF public affairs officer in song, and her facial expressions – it was all the the things. #Kamloops
— Brett Mineer (@MineerBrett) May 18, 2020
Skeetchetsin Chief Ron Ignace offers condolences to public affairs officer Lt. Alexandra Hejduk. #Kamloops #snowbirdscrash #SnowbirdsStrong pic.twitter.com/SIECLGjUgi
— Brett Mineer (@MineerBrett) May 18, 2020
Something incredibly powerful just occurred here as a carload of Canadian Forces troops, including a public affairs officer from CFB Comox sent to help the Snowbirds out happened across the drum circle and community members at the airport fence. #Kamloops #snowbirdscrash pic.twitter.com/uWYqadamGS
— Brett Mineer (@MineerBrett) May 18, 2020
To say this is heartbreaking and heartwarming is a vast understatement. Having trouble keeping dry eyes out here myself. #Kamloops #snowbirdscrash @CFSnowbirds @RadioNLNews pic.twitter.com/iSOTUgYXES
— Brett Mineer (@MineerBrett) May 18, 2020
The scene at the #Kamloops airport right now. People here to pay their respects. Also note the large Canadian Forces Polaris aircraft that has arrived as well – just visible behind the C-130 Hercules. #snowbirdscrash pic.twitter.com/W3ukP4zvtx
— Brett Mineer (@MineerBrett) May 18, 2020
